We at Bitten want to make sure everyone can have a great foodie time in Oxford, no matter the dietary requirement or allergy, so we’re creating more guides to help people find the best food for them.
For this Gluten-Free guide, we’ve collaborated with Alice Schinco (@gf_ing_around on Instagram) who is Coeliac, to bring you an ideal gluten-free day in Oxford. So, without further ado, over to Alice:
When you have a dietary restriction like Coeliac disease, eating at home is easy. You learn which ingredients to buy and get used to amending recipes in ways that work for you, to the point that you almost forget you’re making changes at all.
Eating out however, especially in a new city, can be tricky. You want to try local independent spots, rather your usual go-to chains (I am thinking Pho, Itsu, Leon…), and be sure you will be satisfied as well as safe. So, if you can’t eat gluten and are planning to visit Oxford soon, or live here and want to expand your foodie spots, I hope this guide will help!
Breakfast
Organic Deli (town centre)
A wholesome, family-run hidden gem, tucked away on a quiet street. Almost all their bakes are GF, and breakfasts and sandwiches can all be adapted to GF. They use organic, fresh ingredients, and the staff are lovely and very knowledgeable here.
Branca Deli (Jericho)
A very stylish Italian-inspired deli with a café space. They usually have a couple of cakes that are GF, brownies and coconut macarons, as well as two types of chia overnight oatpots.
Bannisters (Iffley Road)
Another family-run café that does incredible GF-pancakes. I know, I wasn’t sure I believed it either when I was told. But I went, and it was true, and I loved them! [sadly Bannisters is currently closed – please come back!]
Proof Social Bakehouse (Kennington)
Everyone loves Proof, especially when the weather is good! This is a perfect destination if you fancy a beautiful walk by the river (it will take about an hour to get there from the centre of Oxford, and an hour to walk back). The coffee is outstanding, and the GF sesame blondie is a must try.
Lunch
White Rabbit (town centre)
Yep, you heard that right! The O.G. White Rabbit establishment is in Oxford, and it is a pub which is especially known for their pizzas. Obviously, they can all be made with GF bases. Their heated outdoor benches are especially appreciated on a chilly evening!
BBuona (town centre)
If you fancy an authentic Italian food experience, you can’t not go here. They have amazing GF pizza which is baked in a separate oven, and a vast selection of Italian drinks and snacks in a vibrant environment that feels like home to me.
La Smorfia (Cowley)
Same as above, but bigger! The owners of La Smorfia are Italian and have Coeliac in the family, so you can be sure you will be completely safe here. The GF options are endless and include Profiteroles and Tiramisu!
Dodo Pubs (few locations: Rusty Bicycle, Rickety Press, Up in Arms, Slow and Steady)
Another classic Oxford establishment: all the Dodo burgers can be made GF, either with GF bread or as a bowl with salad, pickles and avocado – this is usually what I go for.
N.B. They do also offer GF pizza bases on the menu, but these are marked as “low gluten” rather than fully gluten free, as they are still cooked in the same oven as the rest.
Snacks
Endorphins (town centre)
This place is simply heaven! A fusion Asian dessert café with a huge amount of options – boba dessert bowls, shaved ice and mochi made fresh every day (the mochi may be my favourite dessert ever).
G&D Cafes (few locations: George and Davis’, George and Danver, George and Delilah)
Yet another Oxford institution, these cafes make different flavours of ice-creams and sorbets every day, and always have the allergen book at the ready, which I really appreciate.
Dinner
Sticks’n’Sushi (town centre)
Not an “indie” as such, but part of a small chain and probably my favourite restaurant in the whole world. The GF options are well-marked and there are so many – I have never felt like I was missing out here.
El Andalus (Jericho)
Really lively Spanish-style tapas bar, affordable for what it is. The sangria and the vibes are great, and lots of the tapas are GF with a clearly labelled menu. This is a go-to place for when friends are visiting, as it never disappoints.
Koto (Jericho)
A little hidden gem that I discovered recently: a Japanese restaurant with lots of yummy GF options (not just sushi)! This is a lovely quiet spot, and they only use GF soy sauce – making our GF lives a lot easier.
Dosa Darlings (Cowley)
A new-ish Indian restaurant on Cowley Road, with so many fun and original options. Indian food is not usually my first choice, but I really do love this place, especially the GF dosas.
Chester Arms (Iffley)
My local pub and a real neighbourhood establishment, you will not be disappointed here, I guarantee. They are famous for their steak platter – if you are a meat eater, you must try it.
Top Tip from Alice: Bookmark the spots you’re keen to try into your Google Maps, then next time you’re out and about feeling peckish, you can check maps to see what places on your list are closest!
Alice’s fave GF supermarket buys:
- Sainsbury’s for GF pasta – it has the best texture and is also cheap
- Nairn’s for GF oats – I use this for porridge most mornings, best texture and flavour
- Deliciously Ella for granola/breakfast bars – A little more expensive, but perfect as a treat
- M&S for GF bread – particularly the tiger loaf, it’s delicious
- Schar (found in Tesco) for GF pizza bases – quick and easy for a pizza night at home!
A huge thank you to lovely Alice for helping us put this guide together. If we’ve missed any of your fave Gluten-Free spots – please comment to let us know.
I think Bannisters is now closed closed, which is a real blow because your article is right, their gf pancakes were lovely!